Good question, since radicular symptoms from the compression of nerves in the spine can also cause leg pain.

If your leg discomfort becomes more noticeable later in the day and is relieved by wearing compression stockings and leg elevation, your veins may be contributing to your leg symptoms. On the other hand, if bending down or certain positions trigger the pain, or if numbness accompanies the pain, then your spine could be the cause. Also, pain that is dull and non-descript is more likely due to a venous cause, whereas tingling or burning sensations are more likely due to nerve compression. Finally, there are times when back pain is absent but compressed spinal nerves cause pain down the leg.

Although it can be difficult even for physicians to pinpoint the origin of leg symptoms, ultrasound can reveal vein problems and nerve conduction testing plus spine imaging can reveal nerve compression. Probably the most important factor is to find a good physician whose opinion you can trust.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You are most likely correct: you do have recurrence of your vein disease. First, you are experiencing the SAME pain you had 11 years ago. Second, you compression stocking DO relieve this pain, which unlikely would be a case with pain from essentially any other disease. There might be several mechanisms responsible for that, all of which are treatable. Do not give up: search second and if needed third etc. opinion until you get an appropriate evaluation, clear answer and logical explanation of your condition and, therefore, treatment options. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Aching legs may be caused by one or more different problems.
Back problems can cause leg pain. Usually the pain would be in one leg.
In the case of this person's scenario: Previous vein treatment (11 years ago), "Aching" pain in both legs and Relief of symptoms with compression stockings, my suspicion would lean towards a vascular cause for part or all of the leg aching pain.
Before moving forward, I believe this patient would best be served by a venous ultrasound evaluation using color flow and Doppler.
The venous ultrasound result could "rule in" or "rule out" the probability of the leg pain generator being vascular.
This would be the best 1st step in evaluating bilateral leg pain in a person with previous vein treatment.
Venous ultrasound evaluation is probably the best 1st step in evaluating bilateral leg pain even if no previous vein treatment has been preformed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Back problems can cause leg pain also even in the absence of "back" pain. Does the vein specialist have Phlebology certification and did he do a full ultrasound exam? If not seek out a second opinion

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many causes of leg problems including veins, arteries, nerves, back and medication. Your veins may not be the source of the problem. When the cause of the problem is not obvious then a full work up is indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Was an ultrasound done to see if there are broken veins? Have you tried wearing the compression hose again?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the symptoms are really from veins or something else. Treating a broken vein if the pain is not from the veins will not take away the symptoms.
In my opinion you should have a full venous ultrasound to check the veins, specific questions regarding your symptoms to try to determine if it is your veins or musculoskeletal.
A trial of compression hose is very helpful. It will NOT help with back issues, but will help with veins!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If the surgeon performed an ultrasound examination and found no underlying venous insufficiency then it is unlikely to be the cause of the aching. As we get older, there can be relaxing of the fibers which cover our muscles and they can fatigue easier. Often a low level compression knee hose is enough to replace the lost support. The doctor was probably referring to possible sciatic pain which can cause aching in the legs. Increasing exercise, hydration, good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight can all improve how we feel generally. If none of the above help perhaps an evaluation by a rheumatologist may be in order.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is possible that a back problem can cause leg aches.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, leg pain can be caused by many things other than vein disease. Generally speaking though, if compression stockings are making a significant difference in relieving leg discomfort, the veins are probably the cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When you had a consultation with surgeon did they do an ultrasound on your legs to rule out reflux and venous insufficiency? Sometimes it's a matter of having two separate issues aggravating and exacerbating each other. (like a nerve impinging on a vein). First, just to be certain that vascular issues have been completely ruled out, make sure an ultrasound is done. If you are not satisfied with his diagnoses, you can also go for a second opinion with another vascular specialist. At that point, if there is in fact no signs pointing to a vascular issue, go see a orthopedic specialist who can then determine if it is in fact a muscular/orthopedic problem. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition. Endovenous ablation treatments take care of the superficial vein issues, but the deep vein problems persists and can get worse over time, even with compression hose usage. I would suggest contacting your vein surgeon for re-evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

See your primary care doctor. Your back is likely the problem, but conservative treatment is probably in order. Maintain ideal body weight, strengthen core muscles and stretch.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes it can.

Published on Jul 11, 2012